Brian Madeley

THERE have been few Sparks' personalities who have been in the industry for as long as Brian Madeley, managing director of Iso-Tech Systems, who, with 50 years in the industry under his belt, has set a fine example for others to follow.
His daughter, Tracey Burnett, operations director at Iso-Tech, says her father has the energy of a far younger person.
"We're a family at Iso-Tech and we work hard... but we also have fun," she says, adding, "and my dad is an inspiration to all of us."
Brian took time out of his busy schedule to chat about his long career in the electrical industry.
Sparks: Where were you educated?
BM: I started school at Parkview Primary, then went on to Parkview Senior after which I spent one year at Parktown Boys High before completing my high school education at Grey College, Bloemfontein. Further studies were undertaken at Wits Technical College in Johannesburg.

Sparks: How long have you been involved in the electrical industry?
BM: My apprenticeship commenced in January 1960 and in January 2010, I completed 50 years in the industry. In June 2010, I turned 70 years young.
Sparks: When and where did you start your career?
BM: I started at a company called F G Slack & Co (Pty) Ltd, based in Benrose, and completed five year's apprenticeship training.

Sparks: What are the greatest changes you have seen over the years?
BM: The greatest changes have been to compact switchgear, which have become smaller and safer; in electricity departments country wide; and in business, in general.
Sparks: What major projects have you worked on and what is your greatest accomplishment?
BM: As an apprentice I started (under the watchful eye of my journeyman) to build the supervisory system between Diepsloot Sewerage Farm and Kelvin Power Station, controlling the massive pumps, pumping water to the power station. We installed and commissioned the complete system and I, being the only one left in the company that was involved when it was complete, handed it over to the Johannesburg City Council. I maintained the system until I qualified, then left the company.
Elastimold screened products were installed at RBM and the first pond was commissioned in 1984. This has been ongoing since then and, as these products have been with me since 1976, we still supply to the mine. Many other projects have been achieved over the years.
Sparks: Have you won any awards?
BM: In 1981 I was sent to Durban to attend the AMEU Convention. I had no idea what it was all about. I became a committee member of the Affiliates under the guidance of Terence Marsh and in 1987 I became Chairman of the Affiliates.
In 1995, at the 80 year celebration of AMEU, I was made an Honorary Member of the AMEU. In 2001, my wife Lyn and I were made honorary, members of the Affiliates. I retired as chairman after the conference, held in Bloemfontein in 1999.

Sparks: Who has been your inspiration or have you had a mentor who has influenced your career?
BM: I have had a number of mentors over the years and, to name two, I'd say Terence Marsh who encouraged me in business and the AMEU, and Cliff Rosenberg who taught me all I know about running a business. My inspiration has been my wife, Lyn, who stood by me when I took early retirement in 1997 to start Iso-Tech Systems.
Sparks: What, to your mind, is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry at this time?
BM: The biggest challenge is training. Technicians in this industry must be trained so that they work with pride and responsibility. I believe that the obstacles preventing the electrical industry from becoming a professional organisation must be removed.

Sparks: What do you enjoy most about your job?
BM: I just love my job. When we became the agents for Elastimold in 1976, I had no idea what the future would bring. I had never touched voltages above 1 000V so I read as much as I could and asked as many questions as possible to find out how this industry operated. Along the way, I made good friends who helped me tremendously. Elastimold and Euromold are the biggest suppliers of HV screened connectors in SA and they have been part of me all these years. I am proud to say that I accomplished this and that is why I love my job.
Sparks: How do you motivate your staff?
BM: My staff are my family and friends. Tracey, my daughter, and Jonas started with me in 1998. My grandson was born into the business and became known as the ‘chairman'. Ben Wagner joined in March 2006, and all are totally motivated by the products and the operation. When Owen and Patrick joined Iso-Tech Systems they became part of the family. All members of staff are shareholders in the company. Jason our ‘appy' has just joined and will be calling on customers.
Sparks: If you could ‘do it all again', would you change anything? If so, what would that be?
BM: I would certainly do it all again. If I could change anything, perhaps I would have gone to university - but I certainly would be in the Electrical Industry. I wish I could have started the company when I was much younger; nevertheless, I am very grateful for what I have and what I have achieved.
Sparks: Would you advise a person leaving school to enter the electrical industry? And why?
BM: Yes, I would encourage young people to enter this industry. That is if they are so inclined. I believe that there are so many exciting opportunities in this industry and the diversification in this field is enormous (apart from the problems). My recommendation is for young people to study hard, aim in the right direction and to ultimately have their own business.

Sparks: What is your advice to electrical contractors and/or electrical engineers?
BM: My personal advice to them is to meet with suppliers, become familiar with the products that are offered and accept full training from the experts. Don't allow competitors to criticise other manufacturers products. Never make a financial decision on a product unless all meet the same standards required. Look for service, stock availability, and long-term commitment from the company.
Sparks: What is your favourite quote?
BM: "What a bargain grandchildren are! I give them my loose change, and they give me a million dollars worth of pleasure." - Gene Perret.
Sparks: Name three things on your ‘bucket list' (things you want to do before you ‘kick the bucket').
BM: To be with my wife Lyn, my children and grandchildren for many years to come; remain as healthy as possible; and to see this country become a safe and prosperous place to live in for all.